MOHALI, APRIL 17 — The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has issued a notification relaxing wheat procurement specifications for the 2026-27 Rabi marketing season in Punjab and Chandigarh. This administrative shift follows an April 9 request from the Punjab government and a subsequent joint representation by Union Minister Ravneet Bittu and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu.
The decision was finalized after central assessment teams visited 70 mandis and analyzed more than 300 samples to evaluate the impact of untimely rainfall during March and April. Authorities stated that the data collected by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) confirmed the need for revised standards to accommodate damaged crops. Under the new guidelines, the limit for luster loss has been relaxed up to 70%, providing a significant buffer for growers whose produce was affected by weather conditions.
Furthermore, the Union Government has adjusted the criteria for shrivelled and broken grains, increasing the permissible limit to 15% from the previous 6%. MP Satnam Singh Sandhu noted that the prompt response from the center is a vital intervention for the agricultural community, particularly as over 12 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have already arrived at various procurement centers.
Sandhu affirmed that the federal government’s swift action reflects a commitment to supporting the state’s farmers during difficult periods. He stated that the extensive field sampling conducted on the directions of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi ensured that the relaxation was based on accurate ground realities. He also noted that the central government had provided similar assistance to Punjab in 2023, maintaining a consistent approach to protecting farmer interests amidst climate-related challenges.
